So, you’re off to Turkey. Fantastic choice. You’re ready to wander ancient ruins, eat suspiciously large amounts of meat on sticks, and take about 400 photos of the Hagia Sophia from the same exact angle. But hang on a minute. Before you start your Turkish delight-fuelled adventure, let’s talk about what not to do.
Turkey is generous, stunning and full of warm hospitality. But like any culture, it has its do’s… and its absolutely-don’t-even-think-about-its. So, put down the selfie stick, tuck in your beach towel and let’s cover the top 10 things you shouldn’t do if you want to avoid eye-rolls, side-eyes and the occasional awkward silence.
1. Don’t Assume Everyone Rides a Camel
🐪 This isn’t a sand-drenched Hollywood movie. You’re more likely to ride a high-speed train than a camel in Turkey.
💡 Tip: Save the camel jokes. Especially in Istanbul. That’s a tram, not a desert caravan.
2. Don’t Enter a Mosque Without Following the Rules
🕌 Yes, they’re beautiful. But they’re also sacred. It’s not a catwalk, it’s a place of worship. Shoulders and knees covered. Shoes off. Quiet voice. Phone away.
💡 Tip: Carry a scarf. It’ll save you from being handed a neon loaner wrap that looks suspiciously like a curtain.
3. Don’t Try to Shake Hands with Everyone
🤝 Turks are friendly, yes. But not everyone wants a handshake — especially if you’re meeting a conservative woman or elder. Let them initiate.
💡 Tip: A nod, a smile and a warm “Merhaba” will do just fine.
4. Don’t Complain About the Call to Prayer
📣 It happens five times a day. Yes, it’s loud. No, they won’t turn it down because you’re jet-lagged.
💡 Tip: Embrace the rhythm of Turkish life. Or pack earplugs if your hotel room is mosque-adjacent.
5. Don’t Point the Soles of Your Feet at People
🦶 Seems random, but in Turkey (and much of the region), showing the bottom of your feet is considered rude. Sitting cross-legged in front of someone? Maybe rethink it.
💡 Tip: When in doubt, feet flat, manners intact.
6. Don’t Expect Everyone to Speak English
🗣️ In touristy areas, you’ll get by. Elsewhere? Not so much. A few Turkish phrases go a long way — and earn you serious respect.
💡 Tip: Learn basics like merhaba (hello), lütfen (please) and teşekkür ederim (thank you). Bonus points if you pronounce them well.
7. Don’t Overdo the PDA
💋 Turkey isn’t as conservative as some expect, but it’s also not Paris. Hugging’s fine. Making out in public? Not so much.
💡 Tip: Save the romance for the hotel room, or risk getting the dreaded disapproving head tilt from a granny.
8. Don’t Drink the Tap Water
🚰 It won’t turn you into a mutant, but it’s not exactly Evian either. Most locals stick to bottled or filtered water, and so should you.
💡 Tip: It’s cheap and available everywhere. Your stomach will thank you.
9. Don’t Disrespect Atatürk
🇹🇷 Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is not just a guy on the money. He’s the founding father of modern Turkey and deeply respected. Criticising him is not only rude — it’s illegal.
💡 Tip: Nod solemnly at his portraits. There will be many. And no, you don’t need to ask who he is every time.
10. Don’t Haggle Like You’re on a Game Show
💸 Bargaining is part of the culture, especially in markets. But going full chaos mode and offering 10 lira for something that costs 200? That’s just disrespectful.
💡 Tip: Start low, but keep it light-hearted. It’s a dance, not a duel.
✨ Final Don’t-Be-That-Tourist Thoughts:
Turkey will absolutely sweep you off your feet — with its food, its beauty, and its soul. But don’t let small missteps get in the way of the magic. Respect the customs, be curious, stay gracious and remember… if you wouldn’t do it in someone else’s living room, probably don’t do it in their country either.
Now go, traveller. Explore the bazaars, sip that tea, avoid camel references… and please, please cover your knees at the Blue Mosque.
